Peter Lawford – Mysterious Secret Keeper of the Rat Pack

Peter Lawford may be the least well-known member of the Frank Sinatra “Rat Pack.” Lawford is sometimes called “The Man Who Kept The Secrets” because of his clandestine efforts to connect his brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe and his work as a liaison between Kennedy.  Some historians even speculate about Peter Lawford’s purported involvement in the death of Marilyn Monroe.

You may remember that Peter Lawford was a suave and handsome British movie star.  But, off the top of your head, can you name any movie he was in other than “Ocean’s 11”?  However, his career had stalled in the years just before he joined the Rat Pack.  He made many movies, some of which were pretty good.  His best titles include “Little Women,” “Advise And Consent,” “Exodus,” and “It Should Happen to You.” However, he was merely a competent supporting actor and not truly a leading man in most of these.  That’s not to say that Peter Lawford was a lousy actor.  But I believe that if it weren’t for his involvement in the Rat Pack and his connection to John F. Kennedy, he would be a pretty obscure figure in American film history.

Peter Lawford And The Origins of the Rat Pack

When the Rat Pack was first formed under Humphrey Bogart, its members were a diverse group of superstars.  The Bogart Rat Pack was a group of drinking buddies that included the top actors of the day, such as Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Cary Grant, David Niven, and Errol Flynn.  Iconic singers Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Nat “King” Cole also joined.  After Humphrey Bogart’s death, the original group disbanded.  Frank Sinatra informally joined a group of his pals to form what they first called “The Clan.”

Dean Martin was a top-selling singer and occasionally effective actor.  Sammy Davis Jr.’s talents were off the chart.  Joey Bishop was a clever comic who wrote the script for the Ratpack’s shows.  Why did Peter Lawford become a member?  He was a middling movie actor at best.  The answer is that Peter Lawford had married John F. Kennedy’s sister, Patricia.

JFK was the glamorous, rising star of the Democratic Party.  John Kennedy embodied political cool in the way Frank Sinatra embodied cool on stage.

Peter Lawford at the Intersection of Politics, Show Business, and Scandal

Lawford knew his place.  His association with Sinatra, Martin, and Davis made him seem much more prominent in Hollywood than he actually was.  Sinatra never let him forget that, either.  His nickname became “Brother-in-Lawford.” Kennedy and the Sinatra Clan genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.  However, they also used each other to increase their visibility and glamour.  As a result, Lawford became a key member as he connected JFK to the Hollywood community.

It was through Frank Sinatra, via  Peter Lawford, that John F. Kennedy met Marilyn Monroe. Lawford also arranged trysts for JFK with other Hollywood beauties.  The connections made by Peter Lawford led to the powerful  Sinatra endorsing, raising money, and campaigning for Senator Kennedy as he ran for President.  It was through Lawford that many members of the entertainment community gained access to Kennedy.

When the time came for JFK to prepare for his historic debate with Richard Nixon, he turned to brother-in-law Peter Lawford for advice.  JFK learned how to present on camera, what gestures to use, and even accepted advice on what suit to wear.  In fact, students of the debate claim that Lawford’s preparation of his brother-in-law was a critical factor in JFK’s dazzling performance.

Peter Lawford – From a Perch at the Summit to an Outcast in the Wilderness

JFK’s election in 1960 was a joyful moment for the Rat Pack.  Lawford became a citizen just in time to vote.  Suddenly, a man whose career had stalled just a few years before was brother-in-law to the President. Sinatra’s influence and prestige had never been more significant.  The Rat Pack was seen as glamorous, raking in millions for films, concerts, and personal appearances.  The future looked bright.

Robert Kennedy, among others, was very concerned about Frank Sinatra’s deep ties with the Mafia.  The Mob had long interfered in the careers of Italian-American performers.  Among Sinatra’s many Mafia friends was Sam Giancana.  “Momo” Giancana was the undisputed leader of the Chicago Mafia and had intricate involvement with the Kennedy family.  Lawford rubbed elbows with mobsters and movie stars and managed clandestine meetings between Marilyn Monroe and JFK.  We can only speculate about how many secrets he kept.  Gossip mongers have published scurrilous accounts of Lawford arranging orgies for Sinatra, Monroe, and JFK.  Others have linked him to the death of Marilyn.  His biographer details many scandalous details of Lawford’s role.

In 1962 Peter Lawford arranged for President Kennedy to stay at Frank Sinatra’s home in Palm Springs.  Sinatra made extensive preparations for this singular honor.  He even had a helipad built just for JFK.  At the last moment, Robert Kennedy convinced his brother not to stay with Sinatra.  The public reason was a question of security.  The real reason was RFK’s deep concern over Sinatra’s ties to Giancana and the Mafia.  He had Lawford break the news to a bitter and humiliated Sinatra.  JFK wound up staying at the home of longtime Republican Bing Crosby.  Sinatra had Lawford’s role written out of the next Rat Pack movies.  He never spoke to Lawford again.

Did Peter Lawford Make A Deathbed Confession?

After JFK’s murder, Lawford lost all influence in Washington.  His career evaporated, and his life entered a downward spiral of drug addiction, divorces, and drinking.  He died at the age of 61.  Many people ask whether Peter Lawford made a deathbed confession.  The answer is no.  His brain, addled by years of addiction and alcohol, wasn’t competent.  He was noncommunicative and on a life support system when he died of a heart attack on Christmas Eve, 19884.  He was only 61.  And a lot of secrets went to the grave with him.